Toro has become a signatory of The R&A Women in Golf Charter, which aims to enable more women and girls to realise their potential at all levels of the sport and the wider golf industry.
To achieve this, the Charter requires the support and participation of other national golf federations, businesses and organisations, like Toro — which is a trusted leader in golf grounds maintenance equipment and irrigation solutions with a global presence in more than 125 countries.
As a supporter of the Women in Golf Charter, and also a founding partner of The R&A’s new community golf facility at Lethamhill in Scotland, Toro will be providing annual apprenticeships to women and minorities to encourage further career development and diversity in the golf industry.
“We have built a legacy of giving back by actively leveraging our expertise, resources and business partnerships to increase interest and engagement in the golf industry, specifically among women and girls,” said Judson McNeil, President of The Toro Company Foundation. “Furthering our efforts through official support of The R&A Women in Golf Charter reinforces the ongoing commitment to bringing more diversity to the game of golf.”
Toro’s commitment to the Women in Golf Charter isn’t its only inclusion initiative. Toro has served as preferred supplier and partner to First Tee since 1998. During the 24-year partnership, Toro has supported girls’ access to careers in the golf industry, STEM educational programs and Grow the Game Grants focused on expanding diversity in the game of golf by the inclusion of more girls. And as the official partner of the ANNIKA Foundation’s “Share My Passion” golf clinic, Toro is helping to introduce young girls to the game of golf and support the Foundation’s goal of developing women’s golf around the world.
Additionally, the Toro Young Student Greenkeeper of the Year Award — hosted in partnership with Reesink Turfcare, sole Toro distributor in the UK for golf and sports fields equipment, and the BIGGA – celebrates the next generation of talented and dedicated greenskeepers. In 2021, Toro was excited to recognise Rhian Barton of The Wisley Golf Club. She was the first woman to win the prestigious award.
Beyond external initiatives, Toro has also established the Women’s Initiative Network to create, promote and support a culture of equality and inclusiveness for women across all business functions within the company.